Erin Bamer

Lincoln

State Government Reporter at Omaha World-Herald

State government reporter @OWHnews : Formerly @YorkDispatch/@TheIdahoPress : Standard redhead : she/her

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Articles

Gov. Jim Pillen caps off Nebraska's legislative session celebrating 'shared achievements'

4 days ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Nebraska's 2025 legislative session ended Monday with a send off address from Gov. Jim Pillen, who celebrated the "shared achievements" that he said will bring positive and lasting impacts to Nebraskans. Of the more than 200 bills that passed this session, Pillen mostly highlighted policies he prioritized in January, at the start of the 90-day session. He said these measures set up the state for success for years to come. "In my book, we're the best of the best," Pillen said.
Nebraska lawmakers reject bill banning Delta-8 products, for now

4 days ago | lexch.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Of the 17 bills scheduled for passage in the Nebraska Legislature on Friday, the only one that didn’t pass sought to ban hemp products that contain more than 0.3% of any strain of THC. Legislative Bill 316, introduced by state Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, was passed over less than 10 minutes before its final vote after it became clear the bill didn’t have enough support to pass.
Nebraska's 2025 legislative session will adjourn one day early on Monday

6 days ago | starherald.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — The first session of Nebraska’s 109th Legislature will officially conclude on Day 89, rather than Day 90. Speaker of the Legislature John Arch of La Vista announced that the Legislature will adjourn sine die on Monday, rather than the previously scheduled end date of June 9. There will be just three bills left for lawmakers to debate, plus any veto override discussions, before they begin their closing ceremonies.
Nebraska's 2025 legislative session will adjourn one day early on Monday

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Erin Bamer

The first session of Nebraska's 109th Legislature will officially conclude on Day 89, rather than Day 90. Speaker of the Legislature John Arch of La Vista announced that the Legislature will adjourn sine die on Monday, rather than the previously scheduled end date of June 9. There will be just three bills left for lawmakers to debate, plus any veto override discussions, before they begin their closing ceremonies.
Nebraska lawmakers reject bill banning Delta-8 products, for now

1 week ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Of the 17 bills scheduled for passage in the Nebraska Legislature Friday, the only one that didn't pass sought to ban hemp products that contain more than 0.3% of any strain of THC. Legislative Bill 316, introduced by State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, was passed over less than 10 minutes before its final vote after it became clear the bill didn't have enough support to pass.
Extending term limits for Nebraska lawmakers to appear on 2026 ballot

1 week ago | kearneyhub.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — In 2026, Nebraskans will have the chance to vote on extending term limits for their state senators to a maximum of three consecutive terms. On Wednesday, the Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Resolution 19 CA in a 39-10 vote. The measure seeks to extend legislative term limits from a maximum of two consecutive terms — equating to eight years in office — to a maximum of three.
Nebraskans will vote on extending legislative term limits in 2026

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Erin Bamer

In 2026, Nebraskans will have the chance to vote on extending term limits for their state senators to a maximum of three consecutive terms. On Wednesday, the Nebraska Legislature passed LR19CA in a 39-10 vote. The measure seeks to extend legislative term limits from a maximum of two consecutive terms — equating to eight years in office — to a maximum of three. Term-limited senators could seek office again after taking off one four-year term, as they currently can do now.
Nebraska lawmakers pass bill to dilute voter-approved paid sick leave

1 week ago | omaha.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday to dilute a voter-approved paid sick leave mandate, leaving out a last-minute attempt to add in a minimum wage measure on top of it. The Nebraska Legislature voted 33-16 to pass Legislative Bill 415, sending it to Gov. Jim Pillen's desk to be signed into law. Because the bill amends a successful ballot initiative, it needed exactly 33 votes or more to pass.
Gov. Pillen backs down from budget veto fight with Nebraska Legislature

1 week ago | kearneyhub.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Though Gov. Jim Pillen continues to disagree with the Nebraska Legislature’s rejection of his four line-item vetoes in the state’s next biennial budget, the governor is backing down from the fight for now. In a press release Tuesday, Pillen announced that he refiled the state’s budget bills with the Secretary of State’s Office withdrawing his line-item vetoes.
Gov. Jim Pillen backs down from budget veto fight with Nebraska Legislature

1 week ago | starherald.com | Erin Bamer

LINCOLN — Though Gov. Jim Pillen continues to disagree with the Nebraska Legislature's rejection of his four line-item vetoes in the state's next biennial budget, the governor is backing down from the fight for now. In a press release Tuesday, Pillen announced that he refiled the state's budget bills with the Secretary of State's Office withdrawing his line-item vetoes.